Plumbing emergencies
Blocked toilet: what to do (and what to avoid)
A blocked toilet is one of the most common call-outs we get. Often you can clear a simple blockage yourself, as long as you avoid the things that make it worse.
First, stop it overflowing
If the bowl is full and rising, do not flush again. Take the lid off the cistern and close the flapper or lift the float to stop more water entering, then wait for the level to drop before doing anything else.
What usually clears it
A good plunger that seals the bowl, worked firmly, clears most blockages. A toilet auger (closet snake) reaches further. Warm, not boiling, water can help soften things.
What to avoid
Do not pour boiling water in, it can crack the porcelain. Go easy on chemical drain cleaners too, they are harsh and often do not work on toilet blockages. If it keeps blocking, or several drains are slow at once, the problem is further down the line and needs a plumber with a drain camera.
Common questions
Why does my toilet keep blocking?
Recurring blockages usually point to something past the toilet: a build-up, tree roots in the sewer, or a partial pipe collapse. A drain camera finds the cause so it can be fixed properly.
Are flushable wipes really a problem?
Yes. Despite the label, wet wipes do not break down like toilet paper and are a leading cause of blocked drains and sewer chokes. Only flush the three Ps: pee, poo and paper.
Need a hand with this?
Tell us what is going on, photos welcome, or call if it is urgent.